For the first time, the International fib Congress comes to the U.S. The International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib - fédération internationale du béton) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the technical, economic, aesthetic, and environmental performance of concrete.

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) hosts the Congress in combination with its own Annual Convention and Bridge Conference. The events take place May 29–June 2 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., near Washington, D.C.

The combined program includes more than 100 educational sessions with presentations of 500 papers from 45 countries, under the theme “Think Globally, Build Locally.” Also, fib will unveil the first draft of its 2010 Model Code for concrete structures (a follow-up to the 1978 and 1990 CEB/FIP Model Codes).

“The construction industry, concrete included, is regional by nature,” says PCI president James Toscas. “Every four years fib breaks down the parochial boundaries and brings together experts from across the globe to share methods, innovations, and ideas.”

More than 100 concrete industry suppliers will display their products, materials, and services. Following are products from some of the exhibitors; booth numbers were correct at time of publication. For more, visit www.pci.org.

Environmental analysis

Eco-Efficiency Analysis (EEA) examines the environmental life cycle of Green Sense Concrete, a mix optimization service that improves concrete performance and sustainability. The analysis is based on energy and raw material consumption, emissions, toxicity and risk potential, and land use. It helps identify concrete mixes with the lowest environmental impact. BASF Construction Chemicals. 800-628-9990. www.basf-admixtures.com

Booths #325, #327

Produce consistent SCC

Control the viscosity of self-consolidating concrete with the Visco Probe for planetary and turbine mixers. The probe uses advanced material flow sensing technology to measure internal mixing forces and to calculate concrete's workability and flowability. It wirelessly transfers data to a process controller that works with existing batching and mixing controls. Skako Inc. 888-588-0528. www.controlretrofix.com

Booths #509, #511

Water-reducing admixture

ViscoCrete 2110 achieves high water reduction and improves slump retention without affecting early age strength. With most cements, the ultra-high range water reducer has shown a 5%-8% increase in early and later strength compared to conventional polycarboxlyates at the same water/cement ratio. It is ideal for high-strength and self-consolidating concrete. Sika Corp. 800-933-7452. www.sikaconstruction.com

Booths #417, #419

Casting SCC

The Upcrete vertical precast manufacturing system works with unique properties of self-consolidating concrete, which is pumped from the bottom of the mold upward. The system allows vertical casting of sandwich panels. The Upcrete Battery System offers tight dimensional tolerances for endless surface and texture options. Ratec LLC. 877-337-2832. www.ratec.org

Booth #349

Sound walls

SoftSound highway noise walls offer the latest in sound-absorptive technology. The composition of special aggregates and cement is molded and compressed to meet technical and aesthetic requirements. SoftSound is a fully-tested, porous, lightweight material averaging 36 lbs./cu. ft. It is durable, recyclable, and resistant to decay, mildew, mold, insects, vermin, and combustion. Easi-Set Industries. 800-547-4045. www.easiset.com.

Booth #116

Disk bearings

The Disktron Bearing is a low-profile, long-lasting alternative to the pot bearing. It includes four components: load plates, upper and lower bearing plates, a shear resisting mechanism (SRM), and a Polytron elastomeric disc. The polyurethane Polytron disc material conforms to AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges and is MCEER tested. R.J. Watson Inc. 716-691-3301. www.rjwatson.com

Booth #608

Rugged mixer

The DWM 6750 twin-shaft mixer features a 6-yd. true output and a capacity of 230 yds. per hour. The DWM has low operating costs and is ideal for retrofitting an existing batch plant or upgrading a dry batch ready-mix set-up into a central mix plant. Advanced Concrete Technologies Inc. 603-431-5661. www.concretebiz.com.

Booths #639, #641

Erect structures quickly

The MB Erector Connector system creates a stress-free connection adjoining concrete double-tees or concrete wall panels, while resisting horizontal and vertical shear. To complete the connection, pull the nylon tie and slide the weld plate flush against the adjacent Type-B Erector Connector, then make a single 3- x ¼-in. fillet weld. No plates or slugs are needed. Meadow Burke. 877-518-7665. www.meadowburke.com

Booths #300, #302, #304

Mobile mixing technology

The mobile twin-shaft mixer combines the simplicity of dry-batch plants with twin-shaft mixing quality. The mixer, available in 3- 8-yd. sizes, is installed on a mobile trailer. The dry-mix plant feeds material into the mixer without special modifications. Concrete is discharged onto a high-speed conveyor belt which feeds a holding hopper or loads into a truck. Liebherr Concrete Technology Co. 866-879-6312. www.liebherr.us

Booth #234

Twin-shaft mixer

The 4- and 6-yd. Twin Shaft Mixer is designed with off-the-shelf components for easy service and maintenance. Features include air purge shaft seals, single-drive motor, heavy-duty cast steel mixing arms, and a hydraulic discharge door. High-volume, high-shear mixing results in mixing times from 60 to 90 seconds. Mixer Systems Inc. 800-756-4937. www.mixersystems.com

Booth #543

Create energy-efficient walls

Precast sandwich wall insulation systems help precasters meet new model energy code requirements for continuous insulation (ci). Thermomass is comprised of non-conductive, fiber-composite connectors and rigid insulation. When placed between two layers of concrete and tied together with non-conductive connectors, it creates a concrete sandwich wall with insulation values from R-10ci to R-50ci. Composite Technologies Corp. 800-232-1748. www.thermomass.com

Booth #222

Control moisture

A grouted connection tube with a weep hole allows water to drain away from dowel-type connections and permits grout pumping into the joint. Made of high- strength, blow-molded plastic, the tubes are pull-out tested and include covers to keep moisture out. Sizes include 2-in. diameter tube in lengths from 6 to 24 in. and 3-in. diameter in lengths from 10 to 30 in. High Concrete Group LLC. 800-508-2583. www.highconcreteaccessories.com